Method and apparatus for versioning and configuration management of object models

Abstract

A tool for versioning and configuration management of object models in a computing system including a component container for grouping objects to form a component containing the objects, the objects having properties and associations and a configuration container for grouping the assembled components to form a configuration. Each component is assigned a version number upon creation whereupon subsequent versions, if any, of the component are derived directly or indirectly from an earlier version, the objects accessibly isolated within the assigned component versions except for inter-component associations established between compatible ones of the objects in separate but compatible components of the configuration, the associations forming the basis for assembling, managing and function of the configuration.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present invention is a continuation-in-part (CIP) to a U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 059,696 entitled “Pattern-Based Comparison and Merging of Model Versions” filed on Jan. 28, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,904,588 which claims priority to an Indian provisional patent application serial number 722 / MUM / 2001 filed Jul. 26, 2001. Priority to Indian patent application serial number 689 / MUM / 2001 is also claimed. The referenced disclosures are included herein at least by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention is in the field of software development and pertains particularly to a method and system for versioning and configuration management of object models.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]The worldwide software industry is gradually moving to a new paradigm of development where object modeling is moving from being just an analysis / design aid to being a more pervasive end-to-...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a tool for managing object models in a computing system. The tool includes a component container for grouping objects and assigning versions to them. The objects can have properties and associations with other objects in separate components. The tool also includes a configuration container for grouping the assembled components to form a configuration. The object properties and associations form the basis for assembling, managing, and function of the configuration. The tool automatically recognizes compatibility between objects and component versions and alerts the user if there is a problem with compatibility. The method includes steps for assembling components and configuring them using the tool. The technical effects of the invention include improved versioning and configuration management, better compatibility between objects, and improved assembly of complex configurations.

Problems solved by technology

Diff & merge is a complex process fraught with risks if not performed carefully.

Most commercial repository systems do not provide any built-in tool support for workspace level diff and merge capability.

Without adequate tool support, the problem of versioning and configuration management can spin out of control.

However, these tools are not suitable for use in an abstract modeling environment.

These tools do not give much consideration for semantic entities and their relationships.

These systems do not address important considerations like indication of a complete or incomplete configuration, indication of all objects present, and whether or not the objects are compatible with each other.

Therefore these systems do not meet the demands posed of large software systems.

It is extremely difficult for users to assemble large numbers of compatible objects into useable and complete configurations manually.

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